© www.royalimages.co.uk
| 3
http:www.royalimages.co.uk
A FOREWORD FROM PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY
Across the generations the UK has proudly honoured those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of this country.
So it is right that today, at this special commemoration, we dedicate a new memorial to honour the sacrifice of our own generation.
The missions in Iraq and Afghanistan called on hundreds of thousands of our military and civilian personnel to put their lives on the line in an heroic effort to help secure greater peace and stability in some of the most hostile environments that we have ever known.
Today we honour the extraordinary courage
and dedication of every one of those British men and women who stepped forward to answer that call. We pay tribute to those families who spent long periods apart and we stand with the friends and families of all who lost loved ones.
No matter how much time passes this memorial will stand, reminding all who pass that their rights and freedoms do not come for free, but are paid for by the hard work,determination and sacrifice of others. Through this eternal tribute we will ensure that the memory of the men and women who gave their lives for us in Iraq and Afghanistan will live on, long after we are all gone.
4 |
A FOREWORD FROM
The campaigns in Iraq from 1990 to 2009 and Afghanistan from 2001 to 2015 were complex and challenging. Over the course of those years, hundreds of thousands of British Military personnel and UK citizens ran great risks, endured great hardship, and worked tirelessly in support of the Government’s objectives. They fought with great bravery to provide the security necessary for developments in governance and civil society; they delivered aid to hard-pressed communities; they helped local people to improve their infrastructure,
LORD STIRRUP, CHAIRMAN OF
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
agriculture and industry; they expanded education and health care, and did much else besides. Some of them, alas, paid the ultimate price, and their sacrifice is movingly commemorated at the National Memorial Arboretum, while many others suffered severe injuries: we remember with gratitude their courage and devotion, and they and their loved ones remain ever foremost in our thoughts. But all of those who were involved gave unstintingly of their time and of their skills. They were called upon to serve, and they did so with selfless determination; they rose to their duty with a willingness and a level of commitment of which this country is rightly proud. They were military and civilian; they were from the public and private sectors; they were men and women from many different backgrounds and with many different skills; but they were united in their desire to give of their utmost in tackling the difficult and often dangerous tasks they faced. Duty and service are important concepts in any civilised society, and we in this country have always valued them highly; the men and women who contributed so much to the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan were the very embodiment of those enduring principles. This memorial is for them. The Trustees are grateful to all those who have so generously contributed tothe building of the memorial.
| 5
IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN MEMORIAL
The memorial commemorates the duty andservice of British citizens who voluntarilyput themselves in harm’s way, protected ournation’s interests far from the security of theUK, helped those in danger and worked toimprove the lives of those in the Gulf region,Iraq and Afghanistan.
UK citizens, from a vast breadth of organisations across government, charitiesand non-governmental organisations workedtirelessly over many years to support thecitizens of both countries. Some made the ultimate sacrifice during their efforts to lay thefoundations for peace and stability.
The memorial in Victoria Embankment Gardens recognises the contribution of bothArmed Forces personnel and civilians whoserved their country in Iraq and Afghanistanand who supported them back home.Importantly, it honours all those who workedon the humanitarian side of operations,whether in a military or civilian role includingareas such as aid distribution, education and healthcare, infrastructure and governance.
The memorial is for these men and women and for their families, as a national monument recognising, praising and rememberingwith gratitude the unstinting and selflesscommitment of all those, military and civilian,who served their country in support of bothIraq and Afghanistan.
Sculptor Paul Day designed the memorial,which features two large stones – onerepresenting Iraq and the other Afghanistan –linked by a giant, two-sided bronze medalliondepicting the theme of duty and service. Oneside of the medallion portrays the militaryeffort and the other side pays tribute to theUK civilians and their contribution.
Today’s guests are representatives of the manyorganisations that played a role in the conflictsand includes veterans, Serving personnel,civil servants, those who work for charities and non-government organisations, and politicians.
6 |
| 7
MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY ATTENDING THE SERVICE
Her Majest y The Queen
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh
Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales
His Royal Highness The Duke of York
Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent
Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy
Earl of Ulster
8 |
PARTICIPANTS IN TODAY’S SERVICE
The service is led by The Chaplain of the Fleet, The Venerable Ian W heatley CB QHC, together with The Chaplain General, The Reverend Doctor David Coulter CB QHC and The
Chaplain-in-Chief, The Venerable (A ir Vice-Marshal) Jonathan Chaffey QHC.
The Band of HM Royal Marines Colling wood, the Band of the Scots Guards and Band of The Royal A ir Force will provide music under the direction of
Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Roberts. The Queen’s Piper will support the Service of Dedication
and greet Her Majest y The Queen at the memorial.
Music is also provided by the Metropolitan Police Choir, formed of serving and retired
members of the Metropolitan Police Service, led by R ichard Fox.
The unveiling ceremony in Victoria Embankment Gardens is led by the Bishop at Lambeth and Bishop to the Forces, the R ight Reverend Nigel Stock.
Today’s readers are His Royal Highness Prince Henr y of Wales, who deployed twice
to Afghanistan with the Army, The Reverend ( Wing Commander) Ruth Hake MBE, who
deployed to Afghanistan and whose husband Bryan Hake served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and
Miss Victoria W hittaker, an MOD civilian who worked in Afghanistan and whose father
Andrew Whittaker served on Operation Granby.
| 9
ORDER OF SERVICE
The following music is played from 10.25am:
Air from Rinaldo Handel Arr. Winterbottom Solemn Melody Walford Davies Consolation Trad. Arr. Haan I Vow To Thee My Country Holst Arr. Winterbottom O Magnum Mysterium Morten Layridsen Arr. ReynoldsSupreme Sacrifice Harris
At 10.40am, the drumhead is built and the Colour placed upon it. This flag represents all those who served this nation in the theatres of operation. Members of the Roya l Fa mi ly then arrive.
At 10.58am, all stand for the arrival of Her Majest y The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh for the playing of the National Anthem. Officers in uniform salute for the duration of the Anthem. Please be seated.
At 11am, the Service commences and The Chaplain of the Fleet, The Venerable Ian W heatley, welcomes the congregation:
We meet in the presence of God to commemorate and give thanks for all those civilians and members of the military who have served on Operations in the Gulf region, Iraq and
Afghanistan.
Responses in bold are said or sung by all.
We commit ourselves to work
In penitence and faith
For reconciliation between the nations,
That all people may, together,
Live in freedom, justice and peace.
We pray for all
Who in bereavement, disability and pain
Continue to suffer the consequences of
Fighting and terror.
We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow
Those whose lives
In wars and conflicts past and present
Have been given and taken away.
10 |
A reading from the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Read by
His Royal Highness Prince Henr y of Wales
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die, A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal, A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them.
A time to embrace and a time to refrain, A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to keep silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace.
The Chaplain General, The Reverend Doctor David Coulter CB QHC prays:
Ever-living God
We remember those whom you have gathered
From the storm of war into the peace of your presence;
May that same peace
Calm our fears,
Bring justice to all peoples
And establish harmony among the nations,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
| 11
‘I am with you’ by Hannah Carpenter, who wrote the poem for a loved one whilst he served in Afghanistan.
Read by The Reverend ( Wing Commander) Ruth Hake MBE
As I imagine what you are doing, I feel you by my side,
Like the morning when you left me, I wish I’d never cried,
For your shoulders were heav y with guilt and lots of sadness too,
Last words echoed inside my head of ‘I’ll be coming home to you.’
And there your kiss left mine until some distant day,
To be your last (you promised) that you shall never go away.
So I sit here looking out, on to fields so green,
Whilst you have only desert and views you will have only seen.
But rest assured I am with you, deep inside your heart,
I would always be your strength and angel, you knew that from the start.
To guide you through your dark days and help you with your thoughts
And have the loving memories that never can be bought.
You are with me every second; I hope you feel that too,
Because when I go to bed at night, all I feel is you.
Though I wake up in the morning and see the empty space,
A smile soon returns as a photo I have in place,
Just upon your pillow and there I say “Hello”
For I know you’ll hear that coming and feel our loving grow.
Nearer my God to Thee (Arr. Richard Fox) Sung by
The Metropolitan Police Choir
A Reading from the Gospel of St Matthew, 5:1-12 Read by
Miss Victoria W hittaker
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples
came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, For they will be comforted.
12 |
Blessed are the meek, For they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against
you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the
same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’
Prayers are led by theChaplain-in-Chief, The Venerable (Air Vice-Marshal) Jonathan Chaffey QHC
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the leaders of the nations,
That you will guide them in the ways of freedom, justice and truth.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our Prayer
We pray for those who bear arms on behalf of the nation,
That they may have discipline and discernment,
Courage and compassion.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our Prayer
We pray for all civilians who have served in conflict.
We give thanks for their courage, their skill and their commitment.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our Prayer
| 13
We pray for our enemies, and those who wish us harm,
That you may turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our Prayer
We pray for the wounded and the captive,
The grieving and the homeless,
That in all their trials they may know your love and support.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our Prayer
Most Holy God and Father,
Hear our prayers for all who strive for peace,
And all who yearn for justice.
Help us, who today remember the cost of war,
To work for a better tomorrow; And, as we commend to you lives lost in terror and conflict,
Bring us all, in the end, to the peace of your presence;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
The Lord ’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name;
Thy k ingdom come;
Thy will be done;
On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the K ingdom,
The power and the glor y,
For ever and ever.
Amen.
14 |
The Act of Commitment
The Chaplain General leads the Act of Commitment.
Let us commit ourselves to responsible living and faithful service.
Will you strive for all that makes for peace? We will
Will you seek to heal the wounds of war?We will
Will you work for a just future for all humanity? We will
Merciful God,
We offer to you the fears in us
That have not yet been cast out by love;
May we accept the hope you have placed
In the hearts of all people,
And live lives of justice, courage and mercy;
Through Jesus Christ our risen Redeemer
Amen.
Please stand for the Act of Remembrance.
Last Post
Silence.
Lament
Reveille
Final Blessing
| 15
The Chaplain of the Fleet gives the final blessing.
God grant to the living grace,
To the departed rest,
To the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth And all people
Unity, peace and concord,
And to us and all God ’s servants,
Life everlasting.
And the blessing of God Almighty,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you all
And remain with you always. Amen.
Remain standing to sing the National Anthem:
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen! Send her victorious, Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the Queen!
David of the White Rock Ar r. Cresswell Largo Handel
The Queen’s Piper plays as Her Majest y The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh departs to the memorial in Victoria Embankment Gardens for the
short unveiling ceremony.
Please be seated as the unveiling ceremony, shown on screens, takes place. Accompanying music includes:
Hine e Hine Rangi Pai
Rondo Purcell A Quiet Moment Sparke
Rhosymedre Vaughan Williams
Prayer of Dedication at the Memoria l led by the Bishop at Lambeth and Bishop to the Forces, the R ight Reverend Nigel Stock
Jesus says: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.’
16 |
Let us pray that this place be always a place of peace where troubles can be shared and laid down, fears recede, and memories treasured.
Amen.
To the Glory of God and in honour of the commitment and duty of all those both civilian and military whose service is commemorated here, we dedicate this memorial in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May this memorial commemorate the lives and service of all who took part in the Operations in the Gulf region, Iraq and Afghanistan as we acknowledge their sacrifices and dedication.
May it remind us and all who pass by, of the bravery, commitment and selflessness of those who served. May it remain an inspiration to us and all who follow, to do our duty with courage and
integrity in the service of God and all humankind, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Go forth into the World in peace;
Be of good courage;
Hold fast that which is good;
Render to no one evil for evil; Strengthen the faint hearted;
Support the weak;
Help the affl icted;
Honour everyone;
Love and serve the Lord, Rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit;
And the blessing of God almighty,
The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
Be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.
On completion of the ceremony at the memorial, the Colour is recovered and the Drumhead on Horse
Guards deconstructed. Please remain seated until the clerg y departs. During this, the band will play:
Spirit of Pageantr y Fletcher
Please stand for the departure of the Royal Family.
| 17
ah
Al Faw peninsula
BAGHDAD
Basr
Mosul
Majar al kabir
al Amarah
Fallujah
Tikrit
IRAQ
The UK has been proudly at the forefront of a relationship between the Gulf and the West, supporting our shared prosperity and security. The relationship is of great historic significance and is fundamental to our shared future.
To defend mutual interests, threatened by Saddam Hussein invading Kuwait in 1990, the UK Armed Forces deployed on Operation Granby. On 17 January 1991, the United Nations launched the largest coalition of forces since the Second World War in response to the invasion of Kuwait. The British contribution involved the deployment of 53,000 UK personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The Royal Navy played a vital role intercepting missiles, clearing mines and preventing enemy vessels from posing a threat to the Coalition Forces. British Army troops, numbering around 34,000, were key to the mission as they joined the ground offensive and the Royal Air Force flew more than 6,000 sorties after the outbreak of hostilities. A temporary ceasefire was agreed just over a month later, on 28 February, with a formal ceasefire signed on 11 April.
Following the conflict, Saddam’s regime violently persecuted minority groups in the country. British Forces played a leading role to protect the Kurdish population of northern Iraq, then subsequently participated in the No Fly Zones which successfully prevented Saddam from using his airpower to attack the Kurds in the north and the Marsh
Arabs in the south. The regime continually hindered agreed United Nations inspections. In March 2003, a combined force from the US and UK and others, invaded and rapidly defeated Iraq’s military and paramilitary forces. Saddam’s hometown of Tikrit, the last major stronghold of the regime, fell with little resistance on 13 April 2003. That spring, at the peak of combat operations under Operation Telic, 46,000 UK Armed Forces personnel were involved. Saddam was captured in December 2003 and subsequently turned over to Iraqi authorities.
Once Iraqis were free of Saddam’s oppression, the Coalition’s task was to help the formation of a democratic government able to govern for the benefit of the Iraqi people. What commenced was a longer second phase of involvement in which the Coalition sought to help restore law and order while being opposed by an insurgency. Iraq enjoyed its first truly democratic elections in 2005, and by summer 2006, the Iraqi government was able to begin taking the lead on security responsibilit y. But this was not achieved
18 |
BAGHDAD
Mosul
Majar al kabir
al Amarah
Fallujah
Tikrit
Basrah
Al Faw peninsula
without sacrifice; UK personnel enduredseparation from loved ones, some suffered life-changing injuries while many gave their livesin service to their country.
The UK has been at the fore of efforts to support the Government of Iraq to mitigate the humanitarian impact of these military operations, and to ensure that the population’s basic needs have been met. UK aid has supported projects to improve education, public financial management and private sector development and provides lifesaving humanitarian assistance.
The UK’s six-year military mission in Iraq concluded on 30 April 2009, with around 150 troops remaining in a training capacity until May 2011. This led to a close and enduring bilateral relationship with Iraq.
Throughout the conflicts, professional and administrative staff across the NHS played crucial roles in supporting both the physical and mental injuries of all those deployed and those supporting UK efforts. These roles covered a full range of health issues and included front line acute care to home-based community and primary care, right through to an ongoing commitment to looking after the injuries of all personnel. NHS staffserved in differing roles and were a mix of full-time, Reservists and volunteers who have had operational, in-theatre and home-based roles. Whether deployed in front-line or in support roles, all NHS staff members have and continue to uphold and deliver on their daily commitment and support to the Armed Forces Covenant.
| 19
Khyber Pass
ir Base
Torkham border crossing point
KABUL
Qalat
Lashkar Gah Camp Bastion
Maiwand
Sangin Kajaki Dam
Arghandab Dam
Kandahar City
Herat
Mazar-e-sharif
Jelallabad
Marjeh
Garmsir
Delarm
Shindand Air Base
Now Zad
Farah
Nar-e-Sarajh
Musa Qaleh
Nad-e-Ali
Gereshk
Helma
nd River
Helma
ndRiv
er
Argh
anda
bRi
ver V
alle
y
Bagram A
Charmen & Spin Boldak border crossing points
AFGHANISTAN
Over a 13-year period from 2001 to 2014, UK Armed Forces served on combat operations in Afghanistan in order to protect our national security by helping the Afghans take control of their own.
The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 killed nearly 3,000 people, of whom 67 were British. At the time, terrorist organisation Al Qaeda led by Osama bin Laden was headquartered in Afghanistan, under the protection of the Taliban regime. The UK government stood alongside international partners in condemnation of Al Qaeda’s actions and in 2001 the UK, US, and allies launched military strikes against Al Qaeda training camps and the first UK elements deployed to Afghanistan and the wider region.
In 2002 the first contingent of coalition troops, under the banner of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), deployed to Afghanistan. In August 2003 NATO took control of ISAF operations, its first operational commitment outside Europe. The UK was part of the effort to expand ISAF into the north - this was designed to extend Afghanistan’s Interim Authority beyond Kabul in the face of continued insurgency. In September 2005, the first parliamentary
regions. Over the following two years the intensity of insurgent fighting grew and they widely used Improvised Explosive Devices. The nature of the insurgency, mixed with the cultural and social complexities of this province presented an exceptionally challenging environment to work in.
In February 2010, an operation was launched to eliminate the Taliban from central Helmand. This was the largest joint offensive, involving 15,000 British, American, and Afghan troops, facilitated and supported by overwhelming air reconnaissance, transport, and close air support.
From 2010 to 2014, the focus shifted from combating threats to building stability by assisting Afghanistan’s own Security Forces and helping the country take responsibilityfor its own security. UK Servicemen and women helped to train, guide and mentor, with the result that the Afghan Forces have developed into credible and capable units.
In July 2011 British troops handed over responsibility for the security of Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, to Afghan Forces. In June 2013, the Afghan National Army assumed control of all military and security operations in the
election in over 30 years was held in the country. The withdrawal of British troops country. from Afghanistan began in May 2011 and
troops left Camp Bastion (the UK’s main In 2006, UK forces deployed to Helmand military base) at the end of combat operations Province in southern Afghanistan – one on 26 October 2014. The last logistical of the country’s most volatile and violent elements of operations were removed by 2015.
20 |
KABUL
Qalat
Lashkar GahCamp Bastion
Maiwand
SanginKajaki Dam
Arghandab Dam
Kandahar City
Herat
Mazar-e-sharif
Marjeh
Garmsir
Delarm
Shindand Air Base
Now Zad
Farah
Nar-e-Sarajh
Musa Qaleh
Nad-e-Ali
Gereshk
Helma
nd River
Helma
ndRiv
erAr
ghan
dab
Rive
r Val
ley
Bagr
Charmen & Spin Boldak border crossing points
The UK provided important assistance on issues such as health, education and job creation. UK support has helped to ensure more than 7.2 million children now attend school, 39% of whom are girls, and has helped create more than 100,000 jobs. UK aid has been committed to improving lives of girls and women in Afghanistan with investments in economic empowerment, education, addressing violence against women and security and political participation. Jelallabad
Khyber Pass
am Air Base
Torkham border crossing point
Over this significant period of involvement,more than 450 UK military personnel madethe ultimate sacrifice with many othersreceiving life-long injuries.
The UK has played an important role in supporting Afghanistan as it emerged from Taliban leadership. The role of the UK would not have been possible without the efforts of hundreds of civilian staff working in challenging conditions in Helmand and Kabul. The support the UK provides on issues such as security, development and governance is crucial to building a stable, more prosperous and peaceful state.
| 21
22 |
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
A Board of Trustees was formed to lead the delivery of the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial. Former Chief of Defence Staff (2006–2010) Lord Stirrup, who has strong links with the three conflicts, is chairman of the board. His fellow trustees include former Chief of Defence Staff (20012003) Lord Boyce and former Chief of Defence Staff (2003-2006) Lord Walker and the memorial’s sculptor, Paul Day. The Government has supported the initiative for a new memorial from the outset and is responsible for the unveiling event, on behalf of the trustees.
A fundraising appeal for the memorial was launched in The Sun newspaper on Remembrance Sunday 2014. The Government committed financial support via LIBOR funding and numerous companies and individuals made generous donations towards it. Atkins supported the trustees in enlisting the sculptor and has managed the delivery of the memorial successfully,through design and construction.
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
The Royal British Legion has generously supported a reception for guests and is a key delivery partner for today’s event.
The Legion is at the heart of a national network that supports our Armed Forces community through thick and thin - ensuring their unique contribution is never forgotten. Through its welfare work, the Legion helps the British Armed Forces, younger and older veterans and their families to live on to a more hopeful future. The Legion is also the national custodian of Remembrance, passing on the torch of Remembrance to future generations.
The Legion has supported Serving personnel, veterans and their families throughout the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and will continue to do so for the rest of their lives. It will also ensure that the memories of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country live on.
| 23
© Crown Copyright 2017 Designed and published by the Ministry of Defence
